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Alzheimer’s Foundation of America ‘For the Love of George’ Event in New York to Feature Country Artist Brett Eldredge Eighth Annual Event Supports Programs Serving Growing Dementia Population

NEW YORK, NY—The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is hosting its eighth annual “For the Love of George” cocktail party and concert in New York City on October 25 to heighten awareness of a brain disorder that affects millions of Americans today – Alzheimer’s disease.

The event will feature Atlantic Records’ Brett Eldredge, a country artist whose grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease and whose first single paid tribute to her. Phil Lipof, an Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News Saturday and Sunday Morning who has also lost a family member to Alzheimer’s disease, will serve as emcee.

“For the Love of George” will also include a silent auction of autographed memorabilia from celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen, as well as vacations, adventures, Broadway shows, concerts and jewelry.

The event will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Crimson, 915 Broadway in Manhattan. Tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the door, and guests must be 21 or over to attend. For details and tickets, visit http://tktwb.tw/TDGljk or call 866-232-8484.

Passionate about the Alzheimer’s disease cause, Eldredge will perform his new single “Don’t Ya,” which will be released this month, and well as other original songs. Among them is his first single “Raymond,” which was released in 2010 and chronicles the tale of a nursing home employee mistaken by a woman with Alzheimer’s disease for her son who was killed at war. Eldredge was inspired to write the critically-acclaimed song after watching his grandmother, Anna (Spizz) Eldredge, of Villa Rica, GA, decline from Alzheimer’s disease. She passed away from the disease last March at age 81.

“For The Love of George is a special event for me. I played the one in Nashville in 2010 while my grandmother battled this awful disease. Unfortunately I lost her this year, and so I'll be singing in her honor in New York,” said Eldredge, a native of Paris, IL. “Thanks to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America for playing such an incredible role in the lives of those afflicted with dementia and their families, and for including me in this great event. I can't wait to see all of y'all in October.”

Lipof is equally pleased to be a part of the upcoming event, noting, “I am so honored to be hosting the eighth annual For the Love of George reception and concert. My Aunt Fran died after a horrible battle with Alzheimer's. It is a cruel and relentless disease. Anything I can do to help fight it, I will.”

Eric J. Hall, AFA’s president and CEO, said he is grateful that Eldredge and Lipof are lending their voices to the cause.

“Alzheimer’s disease is the public health crisis of the 21 st century, and, with no cure in sight, it is becoming more and more critical for young and old, celebrities and the general public alike to rally together,” Hall said. “Events like this generate excitement for the cause as well as understanding about the critical need to raise awareness and funds for optimal care.”

“For the Love of George” is an annual fundraiser for AFA created by its New York Committee co-chairs Christopher and Alex Barnet to honor their grandfather, George R. Irvin, who had Alzheimer’s disease. Over the years, AFA has periodically held “For the Love of George” events in other cities.

Proceeds from the event will benefit AFA’s programs and services locally and nationally that offer practical, emotional and financial support to families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

As many as 5.1 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease, which results in loss of memory and other intellectual functions, and, ultimately, death. With age the greatest known risk factor, the incidence doubles every five years between 65 and 95. In New York State, it is estimated that more than 450,000 residents have Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a national nonprofit organization that unites more than 1,600 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include counseling and referrals by licensed social workers via a toll-free helpline, e-mail, Skype, and live chat; educational materials; a free quarterly magazine for caregivers; and professional training. For more information about AFA, call toll-free 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.